Tom’s Watch Bar Nabs High-Profile Investor

Tom’s Watch Bar (Denver) announced that two-time Super Bowl Champion John Elway of the NFL’s Denver Broncos has made a “significant investment” in the concept. Elway also joined the super sports bar company’s board of advisors.

“Tom’s Watch Bar is bringing an entirely new sports entertainment concept to the bar and restaurant marketplace, filling an unmet need in the sports entertainment marketplace with virtually no true competitive concept in the landscape,” Elway said in a news release.

“John brings a unique blend of knowledge and relationships in the sports industry,” said Tom Ryan, who co-founded of Tom’s Watch Bar in 2014. “His proven leadership and business acumen, from the football field to the field of business, make him an integral partner in our continued success.”

David Robertson, CEO of FrontRange Capital Partners, is also making a direct personal investment and joining Tom’s Watch Bar’s advisory board. The specific size of both investments was not disclosed.

This is the third major capital infusion into the growing company. In September, Tom’s Watch Bar announced $30 million in fundraising with Sagard Credit Partners, following an injection of $24 million in founders’ equity.

Tom’s Watch Bar currently has six units, with its newest in downtown Minneapolis. It also has another seven under construction, with Capital One Arena opening in Washington, D.C., this month. In addition, the company is negotiating nine active new leases and letters-of-intent.